PROFESSOR JOHN HUTTON BALFOUR. 55 
the rocks near the snow, which is by no means abundant this 
season, Saxifraga rivularis was found as usual in large quantity. 
On the sloping green bank among the cliffs to the north of the 
summit Mr. Douglas saw Sonchus alpinus, and the plant was 
gathered also by myself and Messrs. Ivory and Balfour. 
great number of the specimens were only in bud. This 
discovery confirms another of Don’s stations for the plant. The 
more we examine the Highland hills the more we are satisfied of 
the correctness of Don’s observations, and I have no doubt that 
the Potentilla tridentata, Ranunculus alpestris, and other plants 
not found since his day will ultimately come to light by the 
researches of botanists. On the cliffs also Saussurea alpina, Poa 
alpina, P. laxa, P. flexuosa, and P. Balfourit, with Cerastium 
alpinum and the usual alpine plants, were gathered. The party 
ascended to the summit by one of the steep ravines, encountering 
now and then some difficulties from the projecting rocks. On 
the summit Carer vigida was found as usual. From this point 
we proceeded to examine the ground at the source of the 
Glassalt Burn and the rocks where Dr. Dickie had found 
Carex leporina, but our time was limited and we did not find the 
plant. We descended by the rocks to the west, and some of the 
party attempted to cross the hills directly for Braemar, but they 
encountered many difficulties—they found the darkness coming 
on, and therefore were forced to return to the usual route after 
encountering a large herd of deer. 
It was late this evening before we reached our quarters. 
Tuesday, 17th August 1847. 
We started in a conveyance this day for the Spital Bridge, 
about eight miles from Castleton. This bridge is situated near 
the foot of Glasmaol. We ascended towards the rocks at the head 
of Canlochan, where we spent the day. This is undoubtedly the 
best way of reaching the upper part of the glen. In moist places 
near the summit, gathered :— 
Juncus castaneus Alopecurus alpinus 
Carex Persoonii Phleum alpinum 
